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Mountain Weather MITOC Winter School 2001. Dave Andersen. Why Weather?. Mt. Washington, 1/10/2001, 12:48pm: 0 degrees F; 54MPH wind, wind chill: -54. Weather Changes. January 1: Temperature 3 degrees; Snow, freezing fog, wind chill –50 Visibility: 100 feet. Weather Safety.
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Mountain WeatherMITOC Winter School 2001 Dave Andersen
Why Weather? Mt. Washington, 1/10/2001, 12:48pm: 0 degrees F; 54MPH wind, wind chill: -54
Weather Changes • January 1: Temperature 3 degrees; • Snow, freezing fog, wind chill –50 • Visibility: 100 feet
Weather Safety • Check the forecast • Forecasts are not always right • New England weather changes rapidly! • Stay alert to weather changes • Clouds and winds provide big hints
Cirrus Clouds High altitude clouds; good weather, possible rain in 12-24 hours for some types
Cumulus Clouds • Nice weather, but keep an eye out
Nimbostratus Clouds • Lower (2000m) clouds • Rain or snow coming soon
Cumulonimbus Clouds with vertical growth (“Anvils”) (May not see the anvil when close) Heavy rain, snow, hail, lightning!
Blue Skies • Good weather has its downsides too: The Sun (it’s a mass of incandescent gas…) • Sunburn can be serious • Light and U/V reflected by snow and ice • Sunburned retinas and mouths are not fun • Sunscreen, long-sleeved clothing, and sunglasses will make you happier
Weather Summary • Check forecasts, check the skies often • Neither is a perfect predictor, so be prepared. • We’ve given a basic intro; there are two good weather websites linked from our web page. • Take-home lesson: STAY ALERT. Weather changes rapidly.